Kingsport, TN Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 86-35 of the Kingsport Code sets three rules. Under subsection (a), residential yard waste shall be separated from other solid waste. Yard waste of suitable size can be placed in containers as required for other solid waste, in plastic bags or containers without lids, or stacked adjacent to the alley or curbside in such a way as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or at another location the director designates. Under subsection (b), the city removes it from each residence once every other week. Under subsection (c), yard waste not placed in accordance with the section is removed from the premises by the producer at his expense.

The definition in § 86-1 fixes what counts: vegetative matter such as branches, brush, grass, weeds or other cut foliage resulting from gardening, general lawn maintenance and beautification of residential property. It excludes trees, large branches and stumps, and waste generated by land clearing operations, mining, agricultural and forestry operations. Those excluded items fall under § 86-36, which sets separate conditions for stumps, trunks, limbs and roots.

Leaves have their own season in § 86-36(d). Leaves raked into piles or windrows at the curbside are removed by the city between October 15 and January 15. Before and after those dates, the city removes leaves only if they are placed at curbside in plastic bags or other suitable containers. Section 86-29(d) adds that yard waste, like other waste, is put out only at or near a public street or alley improved with asphalt, concrete or gravel of sufficient width and depth for the collection vehicle, and § 86-29(e) states that the optional back yard pickup the city can offer excludes yard waste. Fees for trash services and landfill use are set by resolution of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen under § 86-6.